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Re: French side protest today
[Re: sxmmartini]
#211362
12/15/2019 07:43 AM
12/15/2019 07:43 AM
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Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 49
dcareri
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 49
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We’re on a sailboat in Marigot and it was pretty quiet on Saturday. We were able to drive to Philipsburg, Simpson bay, the airport, and had dinner at Tropicana. There was still some debris in the road but no blockades anywhere we went. Also passed under the Sandy Ground bridge via dinghy a couple of times with no problem. However the Sandy Ground bridge road is still blocked and was the only place we saw protesters milling about. I don’t know that status in Grand Case or Orient. There is very little traffic and most businesses in Marigot were closed. Hopefully the quiet yesterday is a good sign.
Please don’t take the above as anything other than my experience on Saturday and use your own judgement on whether to venture out if you on island.
Last edited by dcareri; 12/15/2019 07:50 AM. Reason: Clarification
Dennis S/V Toes in the Water Lagoon 450
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Re: French side protest today
[Re: Carol_Hill]
#211363
12/15/2019 07:52 AM
12/15/2019 07:52 AM
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Joined: Feb 2019
Posts: 731
bran
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Feb 2019
Posts: 731
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Good post Lucky. That certainly explains to me when I asked a cop can I get to Terres Basses through Sandy Ground he had no idea where this was....Unfortunately I started to notice a certain tension in June and this is what starts riots which ultimately leads to violence. The Government needs to take action now but I’m not sure how they would go about it. Someone posted to get in the Military but that would cause utter chaos to the tourism industry. The fact that the US Embassy has issued a warning for people traveling to the French side is cautiously a good thing in one respect but not something that leads to solving anything. It’s for the French authorities to resolve and quickly. I am not sure how I would feel being told that my land was now worthless and I would never receive a permit to rebuild plus knowing that there could be some nasty bromates in the water and nothing is being done albeit the latter is minor to the main issue but ongoing. This could and should be a matter of urgency to deflect which could become very serious very quickly by first telling the people that they will be looking into the viability of allocating funds for those in flood impacted areas due to ongoing hurricane situations by allocating funds for them to build in a safer zone. However, they will not condone violence, burning of vehicles, barricades, blocking the roads and disruption of any kind that affects their main asset, tourism, which ultimately helps all concerned.
On a personal level and having travelled extensively in the Caribbean, I don’t think I have ever seen another Island and I do combine both French and Dutch sides together which in itself is totally unique as you know, that has so much natural beauty plus huge harbor areas for boats and mega yachts of all kinds, so much untapped potential that both Governments couldn’t get together and inject huge amounts of money and resources with a five year plan to make this destination the place for people from all over to travel to.
Wishful thinking as not sure it will happen in my lifetime as like so many other places money allocated, tends to disappear.
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Re: French side protest today
[Re: Tom]
#211366
12/15/2019 08:22 AM
12/15/2019 08:22 AM
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Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 18,577 St Maarten
BillandElaine
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 18,577
St Maarten
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They have been trying for quite some time with the "peaceful approach" to be heard, to no avail. Sadly, there is an element (on BOTH side of the island and everywhere in the world) who will take advantage of any event to riot, steal and destroy. The animosity between local St Martiners and metropolitans has been around for decades. It the same on Dutch side.
To the poster who said there are no local French police, you are mistaken. Police Municipale can always be seen on the roads.
Elaine ********************************* God Bless the broken road....
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Re: French side protest today
[Re: BillandElaine]
#211368
12/15/2019 08:36 AM
12/15/2019 08:36 AM
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Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 61
Lucky13
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 61
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To the poster who said there are no local French police, you are mistaken. Police Municipale can always be seen on the roads. My mistake and thank you for correcting. I have never noticed anything other than the Gendarmes. If there are local police, they should be taking the lead in dealing with protestors. I saw lots of heavily armed Gendarmes in riot gear standing around in Marigot on Friday, and a few in Grand Case, but no other police.
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Re: French side protest today
[Re: Lucky13]
#211369
12/15/2019 08:42 AM
12/15/2019 08:42 AM
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Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 18,577 St Maarten
BillandElaine
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 18,577
St Maarten
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They do what they are ordered to do. They may be securing schools, banks. You would never see that.
Elaine ********************************* God Bless the broken road....
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Re: French side protest today
[Re: sxmmartini]
#211370
12/15/2019 08:43 AM
12/15/2019 08:43 AM
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Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 18,577 St Maarten
BillandElaine
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 18,577
St Maarten
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We all make our choices. Back to the old chocolate and vanilla analogy .
Elaine ********************************* God Bless the broken road....
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Re: French side protest today
[Re: RonDon]
#211373
12/15/2019 08:49 AM
12/15/2019 08:49 AM
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Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 18,577 St Maarten
BillandElaine
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 18,577
St Maarten
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I'll say it once more for clarity. The protesters are NOT doing those things. Punk opportunists are.
Elaine ********************************* God Bless the broken road....
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Re: French side protest today
[Re: BillandElaine]
#211374
12/15/2019 08:50 AM
12/15/2019 08:50 AM
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Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 61
Lucky13
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 61
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They do what they are ordered to do. They may be securing schools, banks. You would never see that. Interesting straw man you got there. Of course they follow orders. The government should be directing them to take the lead in dealing with the protestors who are obviously already irritated by the presence of metropolitans.
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Re: French side protest today
[Re: bran]
#211384
12/15/2019 09:07 AM
12/15/2019 09:07 AM
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Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 49
dcareri
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 49
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Hi Bran,
Yes, we were the 4 noisy people outside. Tropicana is my favorite restaurant on the island. You must have been the person that recommended the soufflé?
I’m sympathetic with the protesters but also feel bad for the shop and restaurant owners trying to make a comeback after the hurricanes. Multiple days with very customers is a business killer.
Dennis S/V Toes in the Water Lagoon 450
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Re: French side protest today
[Re: BillandElaine]
#211455
12/15/2019 04:02 PM
12/15/2019 04:02 PM
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Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 2,671
LBI2SXM
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 2,671
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I'll say it once more for clarity. The protesters are NOT doing those things. Punk opportunists are. Same thing I quoted previously. It's a no brainer. These rowdy punks are loviing it. Gives them something to do and puts them in control.
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Re: French side protest today
[Re: d_fish]
#211458
12/15/2019 04:31 PM
12/15/2019 04:31 PM
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Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 2,671
LBI2SXM
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 2,671
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Thank you for the updates.
We are currently sailing our boat to St. Martin and had planned on leaving it in Simpson Bay for 8 weeks, either at IWW docks or hauling out at Bobbys Mega Yard.
We were planning on spending NYE in St. Martin as well. This issue has us rethinking our plans. Very sad for the island as it’s our favorite in the Caribbean.
We do appreciate continued updates from those who are there. In the meantime, I believe it’s prudent for us to have a plan b in place. d-fish, You may want to consider mooring your boat in Anguilla or St. Bart's. Antigua is not far way either. If things get worse in St Martin you may have to.
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Re: French side protest today
[Re: dcareri]
#211463
12/15/2019 05:02 PM
12/15/2019 05:02 PM
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Joined: Feb 2019
Posts: 731
bran
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Feb 2019
Posts: 731
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Hi Bran,
Yes, we were the 4 noisy people outside. Tropicana is my favorite restaurant on the island. You must have been the person that recommended the soufflé?
I’m sympathetic with the protesters but also feel bad for the shop and restaurant owners trying to make a comeback after the hurricanes. Multiple days with very customers is a business killer. Yes that was us. Soufflé just superb and the fish soup starter was sensational. You noisy buggers😎 also our favorite place. Owner especially made Beef Wellington with Fois Gras sauce. So glad you had a good time but how sad for them and many others. Be Kool opposite had 3 diners. Going there on Monday for lunch unless serious trouble and back to Tropicana the next and last day for us. Stay safe.
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Re: French side protest today
[Re: LBI2SXM]
#211472
12/15/2019 06:06 PM
12/15/2019 06:06 PM
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Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 61
Lucky13
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 61
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I'll say it once more for clarity. The protesters are NOT doing those things. Punk opportunists are. Same thing I quoted previously. It's a no brainer. These rowdy punks are loviing it. Gives them something to do and puts them in control. i’ve seen the protestors in person twice now - once in French Quarter on Thursday and once in Grand Case on Friday. The barricades were being organized and enforced by adult men, not punk kids. The entire protest is highly organized with coordinated roadblocks at key places around the French side. Punk kids will take advantage of a chaotic situation by looting, destroying and such, but IMO the people leading the protests are responsible for all of that now.
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Re: French side protest today
[Re: sxmfantoo]
#211496
12/16/2019 09:53 AM
12/16/2019 09:53 AM
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Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,852 Central Florida!
Carol_Hill
OP
Traveler
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OP
Traveler
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,852
Central Florida!
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sxmfantoo--glad to hear that you will be able to make your flight. Hopefully maybe the situation has now stabilized.
Thanks for your note, pony.
Carol Hill
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Re: French side protest today
[Re: BillandElaine]
#211506
12/16/2019 12:08 PM
12/16/2019 12:08 PM
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Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 835 Harriston
megamania
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 835
Harriston
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Oh goodness,,,I cannot believe it....what is going to happen. Makes me fearful to even come to island in January! I obviously do not understand what the issues are, but can an honest government not step in?? Will keep an eye on this for sure,,,and if we come will be staying on the Dutch side for sure!!
Randy and Meg Young
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Re: French side protest today
[Re: Carol_Hill]
#211520
12/16/2019 01:52 PM
12/16/2019 01:52 PM
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Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 2,081 Clearwater, FL
Biturbo
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 2,081
Clearwater, FL
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We were able to get a boat from Anse Marcel yesterday, along with 4 other couples - the boat was full to its maximum capacity of ten. Actually, it was a quite pleasant ride of about 35 minutes, and it did pass under the Sandy Ground bridge. Before we left we checked & the road into Grand Case was totally blocked but we saw no protestors. The boat took us to Hotel Mercure, where a van had been arranged to take us to the airport - 50$ for the boat, 10$ for the van. We had to leave the car in Anse Marcel, and we just got an email from Sax saying that the car has been picked up. so apparently the road has been cleared. Hopefully, the government can address the protestors very legitimate concerns.
I'm going where the weather suits my clothes.
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Re: French side protest today
[Re: Biturbo]
#211522
12/16/2019 01:56 PM
12/16/2019 01:56 PM
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Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,852 Central Florida!
Carol_Hill
OP
Traveler
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OP
Traveler
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,852
Central Florida!
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Biturbo--glad you were able to get out to come home. And thankful that the car was OK. If it had been damaged, I am afraid they might have held you responsible for it.
Carol Hill
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Re: French side protest today
[Re: Carol_Hill]
#211524
12/16/2019 02:03 PM
12/16/2019 02:03 PM
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Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 2,081 Clearwater, FL
Biturbo
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 2,081
Clearwater, FL
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I can understand a reasonable extra charge for picking up the car, since the original agreement was to return it to Simpson Bay. But, I'm going to call my cc company just in case they try to gouge us. We took plenty of pictures of the car when we left it.
I'm going where the weather suits my clothes.
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Re: French side protest today
[Re: Carol_Hill]
#211552
12/16/2019 06:03 PM
12/16/2019 06:03 PM
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Joined: May 2002
Posts: 5,315
Kennys
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 5,315
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We picked two of cars today and was okay. And no charge .
Last edited by Kennys; 12/16/2019 09:44 PM.
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Re: French side protest today
[Re: Biturbo]
#211559
12/16/2019 07:13 PM
12/16/2019 07:13 PM
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Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 13,428 Peaceful Eastern North Carolin...
GaKaye
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 13,428
Peaceful Eastern North Carolin...
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I can understand a reasonable extra charge for picking up the car, since the original agreement was to return it to Simpson Bay. But, I'm going to call my cc company just in case they try to gouge us. We took plenty of pictures of the car when we left it. If you think your rental company might try to gouge you, you may be dealing with the wrong company.
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Re: French side protest today
[Re: Kennys]
#211573
12/16/2019 09:19 PM
12/16/2019 09:19 PM
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Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 14,649 Brookfield, CT.
pat
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 14,649
Brookfield, CT.
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Thanks Dear and it was scary . I even changed a couple place from the Orient on Saturday to our friend home one bedroom private room in Beacon Hill next to El Zafiro. They are first timers and I didn't want them to be in danger. Doesn’t happen a lot but every now and then I wish TTOL had a “Like” button and posts like this are the reason why. But having known you for years now, it doesn’t surprise me at all that you did this.
Respectfully,
pat
"Always keep your words soft and sweet, just in case you have to eat them."
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